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Topic: Top 5 Autism Movies (Read 136 times)

Really the question is, should this thread be about films with characters whose traits and personality quirks and struggles those on the autism spectrum can identify, or should it be about films that are actually dealing with characters being on the autism spectrum. If retro harry potter counts then it's the the former and I think including Chance, Drax and Howard Hughes is reasonable.

I think diagnosing movie characters through character traits is a bit disconcerting, because it leads to the idea that we can also diagnose real people that way (that guy is kind of awkward, must be on the spectrum, that guy is a very logical, must be on the spectrum, etc) which labels people and puts them in boxes and makes it easier to forgo a deeper understanding of the infinite varieties of personalities, histories and experiences people have. Even when done with positive intention I find it othering and dehumanizing. But I also understand that that isn't oldkid's intention or thought process when talking about the subject, so I prefer to just read this all as about the viewer seeing character traits and experiences that those with autism can identify with rather than about the characters' psychological state.

No, it would a side point. Jesus said that the poor and the lowly would lead the world, like the "meek shall inherit the earth." Chance is a sign of the lowly, Christ-like person, who happens to be ASD, moving into power. I find it to be a surrealistic twist to a pretty strange, but straightforward plot.

But we aren't choosing films where everything has to do with autism, are we?